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Cadet

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MPD is constantly working to grow its ranks and actively recruits talent. Nowhere is this more important than in our Cadet Corps pipeline.

Becoming A Cadet

The MPD Cadet Corps is a specialized program for 17- to 24-year-old Washingtonians to serve as uniformed, civilian employees. As a member of the Cadet Corps, you will earn a salary, while also taking college courses, and will earn up to 60 tuition-free credits toward a degree – putting you on track to enter MPD’s Police Officer Recruit Program.

The Cadet Corps is a place to learn hands-on about policing while attending the University of the District of Columbia Community College and earn college credits. Cadets will spend part of their time working specific job assignments for MPD while also working toward their degree.

Becoming A Part-Time Cadet

The Cadet Corps High School Program is designed to prepare high school seniors for entrance into the full-time Cadet Corps.  This program enables high school seniors to complete their senior year of school while working part-time for the Metropolitan Police Department Cadet Corps.  

This part-time option will provide students with unique opportunities to develop their leadership skills, participate in physical training, and learn about policing.  Participants will work 12 hours per week and earn an annual salary of approximately $10,691 ($16.91 per hour). Upon graduation from high school, part-time cadets will be converted into a full-time member of the Cadet Corps, and they will be enrolled in the University of the District of Columbia and complete the remainder of their training.

Please note that applicants under the age of 18 years old are required to complete and bring this signed consent form to their Cadet Prospect Day. 

  • Application Process

    • Cadet Application Process:

    To be considered, applicants must complete the following in sequence:

    1. Complete an MPD interest card to receive an invitation (within 5-10 days) to an upcoming orientation.

    2. Attend the mandatory orientation.

    3. Undergo a panel interview.

    4. Receive permission from parents or guardian, if you are under 18 years old.

    5. Undergo a background investigation.

    6. Take a Polygraph test (if you are over the age of 18).

    7. Submit to a medical evaluation.

    8. MPD review and decision.

  • Pay & Benefits

    • Pay & Benefits:

    • Starting salary of $35,637.
    • Annual Leave.
    • Paid Holidays.
    • Retirement Benefits.
    • Uniforms and Equipment.
    • Health Insurance.
    • Sick Leave.
    • Paid College Tuition.*
    • Conversion to Career Police status.**

    *Cadets must be full-time students at UDC and full-time civilian employees with MPD.

    **Cadets convert to career police status upon completion of up to sixty (60) college credits and acceptance into the Recruit Officer Training Program phase.

     

  • Qualifications

    • Qualifications: 

    • Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization, at the time of application.
    • Have significant ties to DC as demonstrated through sustained residency, employment, or matriculation.
    • Be between the ages of 17 and 24 years old at the time of hire.
    • Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation.
    • Those applicants over the age of 18 will be required to successfully complete a polygraph examination.
    • Successful completion of a medical evaluation.
    • Be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, or be approved by MPD for a religious or medical exemption.
    • Be a recipient of a High School Diploma or GED issued by the District of Columbia or another state.
    • Cadet applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia at time of application and maintain residency throughout employment as a police cadet.
  • High School Cadet Corps Program

    • High School Cadet Corps Program:

    The High School Cadet Corps is designed to prepare high school seniors for entrance into the Metropolitan Police Cadet Corps. High School seniors can join the High School Police Cadet Program working part time for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)while enrolled in high school.  

    This is a great jump start to a career in law enforcement.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    • 12 hours of activity per week
    • Enrolled as a DC high school senior
    • You can apply as a junior or senior

    BENEFITS

    • Pay: $16.91 Hour
    • Annual/Sick Leave: 1.5 hours per pay period 
  • FAQs

    • FAQs:

    What is the Police Cadet Corps?
    The Police Cadet Corps is designed to prepare candidates for entrance into the Metropolitan Police Officer Recruit Program and ensures that a steady stream of District of Columbia youth are actively recruited as future police officers. 

    How does a cadet qualify for college tuition benefits?
    Cadets must be full-time students at UDC and full-time civilian employees with MPD.

    How long does it take for a cadet to convert to a full-time police officer?
    Cadets convert to career police status upon completion of up to sixty (60) college credits and acceptance into the Recruit Officer Training Program phase.

    Still have questions? Check the MPD Helpdesk to see if we’ve answered it.

    Join our Team

    • Police Officer

      To be an MPD officer is to be part of something bigger than yourself — to be entrusted with the duty to serve and protect in one of the world’s greatest cities. MPD is a special place where a collection of eclectic officers from diverse backgrounds come together as colleagues and friends to ensure the safety and security of the residents and visitors of our nation’s capital.

      Learn More

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    • Cadet

      The MPD Police Cadet Corps is a specialized program for 17- to 24-year-olds to serve as uniformed civilian employees. As a member of the Cadet Corps, you will be on track to enter MPD’s Police Officer Recruit Program. Serving as a cadet will afford you the opportunity to learn hands-on about policing while attending college and earning college credits.

      Learn More

      Apply Now
        

    • Professional Staff

      Each day, approximately 600 civilian employees serve the Metropolitan Police Department in a broad variety of engaging positions ranging from administrative, technical and operational positions to strategic and senior leadership positions. Every member plays an integral and important role in day-to-day operations of the Department. MPD actively recruits and seeks qualified applicants to serve in civilian capacities.

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